What length films do you accept for the festival?

Feature films should be between 90 and 120 minutes. Short films can be a minimum of 2 minutes in length and not longer than 25 minutes. We encourage you to contact the film festival if you have any submissions questions.

What kind of films do you accept?

All genres of films are accepted. See our Film Freeway page for categories. (www.filmfreeway.com/blockislandfilmfestival)

What format should films be submitted in?

Films should be submitted in the form accepted on Film Freeway.

What exhibition format should the films be, if selected for the festival?

Film exhibition format during the film festival is H264 or mp4 file. BIFF does not screen films on regular DVDs or in DCP format. This may be subject to change. BIFF will notify filmmakers of the change. *Note: Filmmakers must provide file format copies of their films for exhibition.

Are works-in-progress accepted for submission?

No. Only completed films.

What would you need from me if my film is selected?

BIFF will need your film in H264 or mp4 file format. Filmmakers should send or bring a poster for display at the film festival.

How many people win?

A number of winners are selected by the judges based on a number of factors in each category. Officially selected finalists are encouraged to attend and exhibit their work at the film festival. It is a great, inclusive, networking environment where filmmakers congregate to build relationships and exchange/share information.

When will the selected finalists in each category be announced?

BIFF will announce the selected finalists no later than April. Finalists are provided with a Guest Pass to the film festival.

Are there special accommodations for filmmakers?

Filmmaker should contact the Block Island Chamber of Commerce, located at Old Harbor (near Water Street) for travel, lodging and other information at (401) 466-2982 / info@blockislandchamber.com or at www.blockislandchamber.com. See the home page on this website for more information about travel & lodging.

Note: BIFF does not provide refunds once a film has been submitted.

– SCREENPLAY SUBMISSION FAQs –

What kinds of scripts do you accept?

BIFF accepts feature film scripts only at this time, which are the original work of the author(s).

What format should scripts be submitted in?

The only format that BIFF accepts is PDF format. We do not accept hard copies.

What are the scripts eligibility requirements?

Feature screenplays must be standard feature length (90-120 pages). (Scripts shorter than, or beyond this length, are not eligible for submission.) Screenplays must not have been optioned, purchased, or produced. Screenplays must be in English. Screenplays must include a title page with the author’s name and contact information (phone number and email address). There are no exceptions to these requirements.

Can I send a draft now, and a replacement copy later?

No. BIFF does not accept replacement copies. Writers may submit new drafts by resubmitting a script draft and paying the submission fee.

Can I submit more than one screenplay?

Yes. Submit as many screenplays as you wish.

How many people win?

There is one winner in each category, as determined by the judges. Selected finalists are encouraged to attend the film festival and its workshops.

When will the selected semifinalists for each category be announced?

BIFF will announce the selected finalists no later than April. Finalists will be provided with a Guest Pass to the film festival.

Are there special accommodations for SCREENWRITERS?

Note: BIFF does not provide refunds once a screenplay has been submitted.